Irrfan Khan, the veteran Bollywood actor who crossed over to Hollywood, has died. He was 53. 

The 'Maqbool' actor was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018.

Actor Irrfan Khan died in a Mumbai hospital on Wednesday, losing his battle with a rare form of cancer.

This was disclosed in a statement from his representative.

The “Maqbool” actor, who was diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumour in 2018, lost his mother in Jaipur just four days ago. He was admitted to the intensive care unit of the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital with a colon infection.

READ ALSO:

Post Malone's 'Circles' Breaks Record for Most Weeks in Hot 100's Top 10

The statement reads “It's saddening that this day, we have to bring forward the news of him passing away. Irrfan was a strong soul, someone who fought till the very end and always inspired everyone who came close to him.

"After having been struck by lightning in 2018 with the news of a rare cancer, he took life soon after as it came and he fought the many battles that came with it.

“Surrounded by his love, his family for whom he most cared about, he left for heaven abode, leaving behind truly a legacy of his own. We all pray and hope that he is at peace. And to resonate and part with his words he had said, 'As if I was tasting life for the first time, the magical side of it'."

In a career that spanned over thirty years, Khan was a prolific film and television actor famed for his range as well as the humanity and intensity he brought to his roles. Inspired to become an actor by his heroes Dilip Kumar and Marlon Brando, Khan began his career starring in television dramas before his film debut in Mira Nair's critically acclaimed and Academy Award-nominated Salaam Bombay! in 1988.

Khan was last seen on the big screen in Angrezi Medium, a sequel to Hindi Medium, which was also the last film to open in Indian cinemas before the country was locked down due to the coronavirus.